The irritancy of chlorhexidine gluconate in the genital tract of the mare.

This research investigates the safeness of using chlorhexidine gluconate for uterine irrigation in mares. The results suggest that using a concentration higher than 0.25% may lead to adverse effects, and also highlights its effectiveness against the contagious equine metritis organism.

Study Design and Methodology

• Eight Welsh pony mares were utilized for this study. Uterine irrigation was conducted using a solution of chlorhexidine gluconate, this is a potent disinfectant and antiseptic often used in veterinary and human medicine.
• The solution was diluted to various concentrations between 0.25 percent to 2 percent of the active ingredient. It was administered to the mares and the treatment repeated twice on those that showed no negative reactions.
• To judge the irritancy of the treatment, the researchers observed for any clinical symptoms and also performed uterine biopsies.
• As part of the study, they also tested the effect of a 2 percent chlorhexidine gluconate solution on an arab stallion. The solution was daily applied to the penis for three days and any symptoms of irritation were observed for.

Study Findings

• The findings suggested that chlorhexidine gluconate causes irritability in the genital tract of mares when used at concentrations higher than 0.25 percent.
• No adverse effects or irritations were visible with the repeated use of a 0.25 percent concentration.
• In the case of the arab stallion, no symptoms or irritation were produced after applying a 2 percent chlorhexidine gluconate solution daily for three days.
• An in vitro test performed with the contagious equine metritis organism, a prominent bacterium causing horse reproductive disorders, confirmed its high sensitivity to both chlorhexidine gluconate preparations.

Conclusions

• Based on the results, researchers advised against the use of a higher concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate than 0.25 percent for uterine irrigation in mares, due to potential irritability it can cause in the genital tract.
• However, the tests indicated that chlorhexidine gluconate has significant inhibitory effects on contagious equine metritis organism, highlighting its use in the management and prevention of this infection.

Implications

• The results of this study provide valuable implications regarding the safeness and effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate for use in equine reproductive health.
• The findings can be used to guide veterinary practices and protocols regarding the use of chlorhexidine gluconate for equine uterine irrigation, and for managing reproductive infections like contagious equine metritis.